Keefe and Richardson Stealing 2nd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: This is "Keefe and Richardson Stealing 2nd Base, New York," a print from the Old Judge series of baseball cards, made in 1888 by Goodwin & Company. It feels almost like a glimpse into a bygone era of Americana. What sort of visual narratives do you find embedded in this work? Curator: Immediately, the symbolism of striving, of achieving a goal – stealing second base – presents itself. But look closer: the "Old Judge" cigarette ad juxtaposes that striving with the allure of leisure and, perhaps, addiction. Baseball itself had become a powerful symbol of American identity. The image encodes aspirations, leisure, and a nascent commercial culture into a single frame. What enduring message does that striking parallel convey about that era and maybe even our current one? Editor: That's a very complex interpretation. I hadn't really considered the cultural implications of the cigarette advertisement. Curator: Advertising, like any imagery, always carries cultural baggage. Think about the players themselves; in this photographic portrait, are they heroes, symbols of something larger? Their faces, even blurred, carry the weight of representation. The cigarette card format also elevates everyday life through art. How does its format, like religious icons, impact how audiences interpret its themes? Editor: I guess I see the card more as a collectible item, but now I can appreciate how even this minor piece speaks volumes about cultural values and marketing. Curator: Precisely. Understanding these historical artifacts helps us unpack the layers of meaning embedded in what might seem like the most commonplace imagery. They illuminate cultural memory, reminding us that the seemingly simple often holds the most complex stories. Editor: This exercise made me see baseball cards from a totally different perspective. Thank you.